I have some acquaintances that don't hang out now they know I am atheist. My friends appreciate the respectful way I communicate it and don't push it.

What sucks is dating and not finding like minded ladies that are not also smokers/drug/420, things I don't judge on but don't want in my personal life.

That such friends, even family would never really be there if I needed them … that their friendship had the requirement that I ultimately pretend as they do. If your atheism shakes them up, stick nearer the ones it doesn't, and find others.

Follow your interests, I’ve often found ‘better friends’ by doing so. Also, appreciate the strength in your ability to occasionally function alone, and the courage it apparently takes to do it. And, quality - not quantity

If those folks shunned you, were they really friends ?

I keep my beliefs to myself. I just don't want to engage strangers. My friends all know I'm an atheist. I don't talk about it if the subject doesn't come up.